Why do recent correspondents George Richardson and Gladys Baker-Bainbridge think the best means of reinforcing school discipline is by directing violence towards children?

It is suggested, in their letters, that the absence of school-based beatings leads to increased lawlessness in society and that the use of corporal punishment will help to develop good citizens.

However, past experience has demonstrated that this supposed deterrent has often had the opposite effect to that intended. Children in schools that engaged in the use of corporal punishment often became increasingly resentful and unruly. It is interesting to note that many of today's prisoners were beaten at school.

There is no evidence to show that corporal punishment enhances teaching or learning. Teachers are very powerful role models and all a child learns from the use of corporal punishment perpetrated by a teacher is that disputes can be settled by violence.

A learning environment should be dynamic, stimulating and, above all, safe. Alternative, non-aversive methods should be used in a modern school setting that allow children the opportunity to learn how to deal with conflicts in a more appropriate manner.

Good teachers should be able to find ways in which the classroom can be controlled without the threat or use of violence.